Valve-movement for pumps and method of closing pump-valves



' (No Modl.) GSheets-Sheet 1.

O. G. WORTHINGTON;

VALVE MOVEMENT POE PUMPS AND METHOD OF CLOSING PUMP. VALVES. No.584,584. Patented June 15,1897.

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 2.

G. O. WORTHINGTON. VALVE MOVEMENT FOR PUMPS AND METHOD OF CLOSING PUMPVALVES.

No. 584,534. Patented June 15,1897.

g i Imam? m: Nonms PEYZRS cu. PHOTQLI'HfOY, wnsumcmn. n. c,

(N0 Modell) 6 Sheets-Sheena G. G. WORTHINGTON.

VALVE MOVEMENT FOR PUMPS AND METHODOF CLOSING PUMP VALVES.

No. 584,534. Patented June 15, 1897. V %5J leo 'fllm W K I j? (NoModel.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 4.

0. 0. WORTHINGTON. VALVE MOVEMENT FOR PUMPS AND METHOD OF CLOSING PUMPVALVES.

No. 584,634. Patnted June 15, 1897 I i Q a) i 'I N R) b a I) I 71%?"- =1m. I m P 07 6 Sheets-Sheet 5.

(No Model.)

.0. O. WORTHINGTON VALVE MOVEMENT FOR PUMPS AND METHOD OF CLOSING PUMPVALVES.

No. 584,534. Patented June 15,1897.

m: "cams PETERS c0, Pnm'aumu, wAsmnm-M, o. c.

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 6. O. 0. WORTHINGTON. VALVE MOVEMENT FORPUMPS AND METHOD OF CLOSING PUMP VALVES.

Patented June 15,1897. @fl/ ardo rx @AM A rwz NORRIS PETERS c0.mom-urns,v WASHINGTON o. c.

llNTTnn STATES CHARLES C. \VOR'FIIINGTON,

PATENT Gretna,

OF IRVINGTON, NEW YORK.'

VALVE-MOVEMENT FOR PUMPS AND METHOD OF CLOSING PUMP-VALVES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 584,534, dated June 15,1897. Application filed September 28, 1892. Serial No. 447,189. (Nomodel.)

To (til witmn it may concern,

Be it known that I, CHARLES C. NORTH- INGTON, a citizen of the UnitedStates, residing at Irvin gton, county of lVestchester, and State of NewYork, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inValve-Movements for Pumps and Methods of Closing Pump-Valves, fullydescribed and represented in the following specification and theaecompanying drawings, forming a part of the same.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improvedvalvemovement for pumps and method of closing pump-valves, andespecially to secure a more uniform action of steam and power pumps andto increase the speed at which they can be operated successfully.

One of the specific objects of my invention is to provide a method ofand means for positively controlling the pump-valves, and especially toprovide a method and means by which the foree-valves or auxiliary valvesbetween the plunger and force-main shall be gradually and positivelyclosed by pressure during the latter part of the stroke of the plunger,the closing of these valves thereby exerting a gradually-increasedstopping pres sure upon the plunger. I attain this object in accordancewith the present invention by applying to the valves against the pumpingpressure a constant pressure in excess of the pumping pressure andtransmitting to the valves, so as to oppose the constant pressure, afluid-pressure varying during the stroke of the pump-plunger, so thatthe valve or valves are closed by the constant pressure when the varyingpressure is relieved or reduced to the required point, the pressure inthe force-main being thereby cut off from the plunger ofthe pump at theend of the stroke and the plunger stopped wholly or partially by thepres sure of the water in the pump-cylinder.

By the term pumping pressure I mean the excess of pressure upon thepump-eylim der side of the valve tending to open or hold the valve openduring the action of the pump. I prefer to apply this closing pressuredirectly to the force-valves, so as to insure their gradual and positiveclosing in front of the plunger as the latter reaches the end of itsstroke, and I prefer to apply it also to the suction-valves to insuretheir closin g behind the plunger at or about the same time; but thepressure may be applied only to the forcevalves or to an auxiliary valveor valves controlling communication between the watereylinder and theforce-main, soas to secure the results desired, and similar auxiliaryvalves may be used also with the suctionvalves.

The constant pressure may be fluid-pressure from any suitable source, orthe pressure of a spring or weight, and the varying pressure may besupplied from any suitable source in single or duplex pumps, butIpreferably use the force-main pressure as the con stant pressure anduse as the varying pressure the pressure in the pump-cylinder, thisvarying pressure being applied alternately from in front of and behindthe plunger and in duplex pumps from the pump-cylinders on the oppositeside of the engine.

My improved valve-movement is applicable to all forms of pumps, whetheroperated by steam or power, but it is of special application todirect-acting steam-pumps or pumping-engines in which the improvedvalvemovement cooperates with other features of the construction tosecure certain special results not obtained in other pumps.

In this class of pumps, as is well known, the motor-pistons areconnected to the rods which carry the pump-plungers in such a mannerthat the piston and plunger are free to move in either direction,according to the side of the piston upon which the pressure is greater,and it is necessary that some means should be provided by which thepiston and plunger are gradually arrested at the end of the stroke ineither direction. For this purpose double steam-ports have generallybeen provided, so that the piston is cushioned upon a small portion ofthe exhaust-steam remaining in the cylinder. WVhile this method issatisfactory at the speeds at which pumps of this class are usually run,it is found that at higher speeds the momentum of the moving parts issufficient to compress the steam-cushion to such a pressure that by thispressure,together with the pressure in the force-main acting upon theplunger at the end of the stroke,a rebound ICO or recoil of the movingparts of the pump is caused. Coincident with this recoil the water inthe force-chamber flows rapidly through the force-valves into thepump-chamber, producing a current which tends to slam the force-valves.The suction-valves at the opposite end of the plunger also are slammedby the pressure produced by the recoil movement of the plunger.

It has been customary with steam-cushions to provide some means by whichthe amount of exhaust-steam retained in the cylinder is varied inaccordance with the speed of the pump, so that the piston is properlycushioned at different speeds without the employment of a permanentlylarge cushion.

With my improved valve-movement, in which the valves are positivelyclosed so as to cut off the pressure of the force-main. in front of theplunger as the piston approaches the end of its stroke, the piston andplunger are cushioned by the water retained within the pump-cylinder andmay be stopped thereby wholly or partially, thus doing away with thesteam-cushion, or, if it be retained, avoiding the necessity ofadjusting the cushion in accordance with the speed of the pump andrendering it possible to employ only a mod erate steam-cushion at allspeeds. While the piston and plunger may be stopped entirely by applyingthis increased pressure upon the plunger at the end of the stroke, Iprefer to use a moderate amount of cushion in the steam-cylinder inconnection therewith in'order to divide up the stopping force, andbecause the cushion is desirable in order to fill up theclearance-spaces in the steam-cylinder.

In attaining the highest speeds with steampumps provided with positivewater-valves acting as described it may be found in some cases that theavailable constant pressure is not sufficient to close the valves,because as they begin to close the speed of the plunger is lessened, andthere immediately follows a packing of the steam behind thesteam-piston, causing an increase of the steam-pressure. \Vhen a veryhigh speed is desired, therefore, it is desirable to provide the steamcylinder or cylinders with cut-off valves which shall operate to out offthe admission of steam to the cylinder at the latter end of the stroke,so that the water-valves are positively closed and the plunger andpiston stopped without the packing of the steam in the steam-cylinder.

\Vith my improved valve-movement and the high speed rendered possiblethereby it will be found that the steam may be cut off earlier in thestroke than in the ordinary direct-acting pumps now in use and a highereconomy of steam obtained thereby, as the momentum acquired by thepiston and plunger at the high piston speed will be sufficient to carrythem to the end of their stroke without the steam following as late inthe stroke as with lower speeds.

For a full understanding of my invention a detailed description ofsingle and duplex preferred form will now be given, reference being hadto the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, andthe method and features of construction forming the inventionspecifically pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a simple crank-powerpump provided with my improved valve-movement. Fig. 2 is a plan viewof'the same. Fig. 3 is a rear elevation. Fig. 4 is a section on the line4 4 of Fig. 2 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 5 is aside elevation of waterend similar to Fig. 1, showing a single pipe for transmitting thevarying pressure. Fig. 6 shows a modification of the same. Fig. 7 is asectional side elevation of a duplex direct-acting steam-pump, thesection being taken through the steam-cylinder on the leading side. Fig.8 is a plan view of the water end of the same. Fig. 9 is a section onthe line 9 9 of Fig. 8 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 10 shows amodification in the connections with the pump-cylinders. Fig. 11 shows amodification employing auxiliary force and suction valves.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, the engine shown, is as toits general construction a common form of crank-engine, A being thegear; 13, the crank-disk; O, the connecting-rod; D, the plunger-rod; E,the plunger; F, the water-cylinder; G H, the force and suction mains,and I K the force and suction chambers, communication betweenthepumpcylinder and these chambers being controlled by force-valves a andsuction-valves b at the opposite ends of the cylinder. These parts forman ordinary double-acting crankpump.

Referring now to the parts embodying my invention, a smallmotor-cylinder 1O 11 is mounted above each of the force and suctionvalves, respectively, the valves being actuated by motor-pistons 12,moving in said cylinders and carried by the valve-stems 13. The motorcylinders 10 11 are entered above the pistons 12 by pipes 14, throughwhich a constant pressure is transmitted to the motor pistons, tendingto close the valves. These pipes 14 are shown as connected with theforce-main G, but may be connected to any other suitable source ofpressure either within or without the pump.

On the opposite side of the pistons 12 from the pipes 14, transmittingthe constant pressure, the motor-cylinders 10 11 are connected with thewater-cylinder in the following manner: The pipes 15 16 communicate withthe water-cylinder at opposite ends and have branches 17, 18, 19, and 20entering the motor-cylinders 10 11, these pipes connecting each end ofthe water-cylinder with the motor-cylinder controlling the force-valveat the same end of the pump and with the motorcylinder controlling thesuction-valve at the opposite end. The pipes 16 15 enter thepump-cylinder at points within the path of the pump-plunger, and thepump-plungeras pumps embodying my improvements in their it approachesthe end of its stroke in either IIO direction will pass the port of oneof the pipes and leave it uncovered behind it, so that thesuction-pressure in the cylinder is transmitted through the same to themotor-cylinders above the force and suction valves controlled thereby.

For the purpose of adjusting the time at which the pressure from thepump-cylinder acts upon the piston in the motor-cylinder, each of thepipes through which the pressure is transmitted is provided with athrottlevalve 1. In the construction shown this enables the times atwhich the pressure acts on the force and suction valves to be adjustedrelatively to each other, which is especially desirable when a singleconnection is made with the pump-cylinder for a force and suction valve,as in the construction shown. It will be understood, however, that theremay be two openings into the pump-cylinder for each motor-cylinder, sothat the connections for the force and suction valves are independent ofeach other. The throttle-valves or other suitable adjusting means willstill be used, however, to secure theproper timing of the action of themotor-cylinders upon the valves.

The operation of this construction is as follows: As the plunger E movesto the right from the position shown in Figs. 1 to t the pressure infront of the plunger is transmitted through pipes 16 and branches 19 20to the motor-cylinders 1O 11 above the force and suction valves,respectively in front of and behind the plunger. This pressurecounterbalances the constant pressure admitted to the other side of thepistons 12 through pipes 14, and these valves are opened by the watercurrent. This continues until the plunger E has passed the pipe 10 andopened the latter behind it, when the pressure in the pipe 16 and belowthe pistons 12 in cylinders 10 11 is reduced to that of the suction andthe valves are closed by the excess of the constant pressure above thepistons, it being understood that the pressure upon the opposite sidesof the valves CL 1), independently of the pistons, is the same, so thata slight excess of pressure sufiices to close them. As the plunger isreversed'and moves from right to left the pressure in front of theplunger is again transmitted through pipe 16 and branches 19 20,equalizing the pressure in the motorcylinders above the pistons, but theforcevalve is closed behind the plunger by the force-pressure and thesuction-valve in front of the plunger by the pressure in thepumpcylinder produced by the plunger. As the plunger is reversed,however, the pressure in front of the plunger is transmitted alsothrough the pipe 15 and branches 17 18 to the motor-cylinders 10 11above the force and suction valves, respectively in front of and behindthe plunger, and, the pressure on the opposite sides of themotor-pistons 12 being equal, the valves are opened by thewater-current. This operation is repeated at each stroke of the plunger.

The time of closing of the valves may be adjusted as desired by varyingthe position of the pipes 15 16 relatively to the plunger E, so that anydesired operation of the valves may be secured. The time and rapidity ofclosing of the valves may also be adjusted conveniently by means of thethrottle-valves 1, the passage of the water through the pipes beingcontrolled thereby as desired. 1

WVhile the pipes have been shown transmitting the constant pressure fromthe forcemain, and I prefer that constant pressure should be appliedthus or from an outside source of pressure, it will be understood thatthe pistons may be open above to the air and air-pressure be employed asthe constant pres sure, if desired, this necessitating only an increasein the size of the motor-pistons depending upon the work to beperformed. It will be understood also that it is not necessary that theconstant pressure should be that of a fluid, but that a spring or weightmaybe substituted therefor, if desired.

Although the construction shown will probablybe found preferable, as itreduces the size of the plunger, it is not necessary to employ two pipescommunicating with the water-cylinder.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a construction in which a single pipe 21communicates with the water-cylinder midway of its length, the branches17 18 and 19 20 all communicating with this pipe. In this constructionthe length of the plunger E is nearly the length of the stroke, as shownin Fig. 5.

The operation of this construction is as follows: As the piston Ereaches the end of its stroke the port of pipe 21 is uncovered behindit, and the pressure below all the motor-pistons 12 is thesuction-pressure, and the valves are all closed by the constantpressure. As the plunger commences its return stroke the pressure infront of the plungeris transmitted through the pipe 21 and its branchesto all the cylinders 10 11 and the constant pressure is counterbalancedtherein. The force and suction valves, respectively in frontof andbehind the plunger, are then opened by the water-current, while theforce and suction valves, respectively behind and in front of theplunger, are closed by the pressure of the force-main and in thepump-cylinder The result, therefore, is substantially the same as withthe construction previously described.

WVith this construction of a single pipe comi'nunicating with thewater-cylinder my improvements may be applied to the common plunger anddiaphragm or ring construction of pumps, the pipe 21 being placed withinthe ring or diaphragm, as shown in Fig.6, and communicating with thepump-cylinder through a circular port or series of ports, as preferred.

Referring now to Figs. 7, 8, and 9, the duplex direct-actin g steam-pumpshown therein IIO as embodying my improvements will be described. Thepump is, as to its general construction, of a common form, consisting oftwo steam-cylinders L, provided with pistons M, connected by piston-rodsN to the plungers 0, moving in the water-cylinders P Q on respectivelythe leading and following sides of the pump.

In the operation of duplex pumps the pistons move in opposite directionsduring a part of the stroke and in the same direction during the rest ofthe stroke. hen moving in the same direction, the same piston is alwaysin advance in whichever direction the two pistons are moving, and inaccordance with established practice the terms leading and followingrefer, respectively, to the sides of the pump, the pistons of which leador follow when both are movingiu the same direction.

The steam-cylinders are provided with the usual valve-gear, consistingof rock-shafts c, levers d, and valve-rods e, by which the main valves fon each side of the pump are operated from the piston-rods on the otherside, in the manner common in duplex pumps. The steam-cylinders arepreferably provided with separate induction and exhaust ports g h, sothat as the pistons M near the end of their strokes in either directionthey cover the exhaust-port 7t and confine a small amount ofexhaust-steam in front of them in the cylinder, by which the pistons arecushion ed and arrested. This is a common method of cushioning, but itwill be understood that any other form of apparatus may be used for thispurpose, and, as stated above, all cushioning of the steam-pistons maybe omitted and the pistons and'plungers be stopped by waterpressureonly. The induction-ports g are controlled by cut-off valves S,operating to cut off the steam, as above described. The construction ofrotary cut-off valves is that shown in my prior patent, No. 292,525, andthe operating connections are the same and need not be described herein.It will be understood, however, that any other form of cutoff valves andoperating connections may be substituted, if desired.

The water end of the pump consists of the water-cylinders P Q on theleading and following sides, respectively, the force and suction mains RS and their chambers T U, communication between the pump-cylinders andthese chambers being controlled by forcevalves 76 Z and suction-valves m'n on respectively the leading and following sides of the pump.

Referring now to the parts in which my invention is embodied, above eachof the force and suction valves is mounted a motor-cylinder, themotorcylinders above the forcevalves on the leading side of the pumpbeing numbered 22 23 and on the following side of the engine 24 25, andthe motor-cylinders above the suction-valves on the leading side beingnumbered 26 27 and those on the following side 28 29, at the oppositeends of the water-cylinders, respectively. Each of the valves iscontrolled by a piston 30, moving in the corresponding motor-cylinder,these pistons being carried by the valve-stems 31.

The constant pressure is transmitted from the force-main to themotor-cylinders in the following manner: The valve-stem 31 of each ofthe force-valves is hollow and, as shown in Fig. 9, is provided at itslower end with a series of perforations 2, opening into the forcechamberT, and at its upper end above the piston 30 with a series ofperforations 3, opening into the motor-cylinder. The constant pressureis transmitted from the force-chamber T to the cylinders above thesuction-valves by pipes 32, as shown in the same figure.

The motor-cylinders below the pistons 30' are connected with thewater-cylinders, so that the varying pressure therein is communicated tothe motor-cylinders in the following manner: Pipes 33 3t extend from theopposite ends of the water-cylinder on the leading side of the pump tothe opposite side and communicate, respectively, with the motorcylinders24: 25 above the force-valves on the following side, and by branches 3536 also communicate, respectively, with the motorcylinders 29 28 uponthe following side, so that the pressure in the water-cylinder upon theleading side of the pump is -transmitted to the force and suction valvesupon the following side of the pump, but the connections to thesuction-valves are reversed, so that the pipes 33 3% control theforce-valves at the corresponding ends of the water-cylinder 011 thefollowing side, but the suction-valves at the diagonally opposite endsof the cylinder. Pipes 37 3S connect the opposite ends of thewater-cylinder on the following side of the pump with themotor-cylinders 23 22 above the force-valves at the diagonally oppositeends of the water-cylinder on the leading side of the pump, and bybranches 39 40 also con1- municate, respectively, with themotor-cylinders 26 27 above the suction-valves at corresponding ends ofthe Water-cylinder on the leading side, so that pipes 37 38 from the following side of the pump control the forcevalves at the diagonallyopposite ends of the water-cylinder on the leading side and thesuction-valves at the same end of the watercylinder.

The operation of the duplex pump is as follows: It is to be remarkedthat, as shown in the drawings, the pump is at rest and both sides areon center. This is not a position that the parts of the pump will assumewhen in actual operation, but has been adopted for the purpose ofillustration.

In describing the operation it will be assumed that the piston M of theleading side of the pump is started from left to right, the piston 011the following side being in the position of, say, five-sixths strokefrom right to left. As the piston on the leading side moves to the rightthe water in front of the plunger -to close.

O on that side will be forced past the valve 71; in front of theplunger, raising the valve in the usual manner, and at the same time thewater will be drawn in, raising the suction-valve m behind the plunger.As the piston and plunger approach the end of their stroke the cut-offvalve 8 will operate to cut oif the steam behind the piston, the pistonwill cover the exhaust-port h and cushion itself upon the steam confinedin the end of the steam-cylinder beyond this port, and the piston andplunger will be arrested. \Vhen the piston on the leading side of thepump is on the latter part of its stroke, the exact point varying indifferent pumps and being adjusted in the same pump in accordancewiththe duty to be performed, the piston on the following side of the pumpwill have completed its stroke in the opposite direction and will startin the same direction as that in which the piston on the leading side isthen moving-that is, from left to rightt-he two pistons moving in thesame direction until the piston upon the leading side has completed itsstroke, when the motion of the latter is reversed and it returns,partially, during the forward stroke on the following side. This is theusual operation in duplex pumps.

It will readily be seen that if no special means are provided forclosing the valves, except the springs usually employed, theforce-valves will be open at the time the plungers are stopped, so thatthe full pressure of the water in the force-main and force-chamber willbe permitted to act for a short period of time upon the plunger. If thespeed of the pump be such that the momentum of the moving partscompresses the steam between the piston and cylinder-head sufficiently,the

back pressure of this steam-cushion, together with the pressure of theforce-main upon the plunger, will cause a rebound or recoil of thepiston and plunger, thus producing a rapid current from the force mainthrough the forcevalves into the water-cylinder, which slams theforce-valves violently to their seats, as above described. This recoilof the plunger slams also the suction-valves at the other end of theplunger which have not had time It will be seen that besides theobjeotionable noise caused by this action it produces a jar upon thepump which increases with the speed and practically prevents theattainment of high speeds. Apart from the necessity of overcoming thiscombined action of the cushion and pressure from the forcemain,moreover, it is desirable that means should be provided for closing thevalves positively as the plunger reaches the end of its stroke, so thatcertainty and prom ptness in the closing of the valves are secured. Thisclosing is preferably gradual, so that an increasing cushioning pressureis applied to the plunger and the plunger is stopped slowly and withoutshock,the cushioning pressure required in the steam end being reducedthereby.

In the present organization the pressure from the force-main istransmitted through the hollow valve-stems 31 to the motor-cylindersabove the pistons 30, controlling the force-valves, so that the pistonsare constantly subjected to the pressure of the force-main, tending tomove them in a direction to close the force-valves. The force-pressu reis transmitted also through the pipes 32 from the force-chambers T tothe motor-cylinders mounted above the suction-valves, so as to tend toclose the suction-valves in the same manner as the force-valves.

As already explained, the pipes transmitting the varying pressure fromthe pump-cylinder 011 one side of the engine to the motorcylinders uponthe opposite side enter the motor-cylinders below the pistons, so thattheir pressure is opposed to the pressure from the force-main above thepistons, this varying pressure being equal to the pressure from theforce-main when transmitted from in front of the plunger, but reduced tothe suctionpressure when the plunger has passed the ports by which-thepipes transmitting the varying pressure communicate with thepumpcylinders.

As the plunger on the leading side commences its stroke from left toright, as before described, the pressure in the water-cylinder P infront of the plunger is transmitted for a short time through the pipe 33and branch 35 to the motor-cylinders 24 20 below the pistons controllingthe force-valve Z and suctionvalve'n, respectively in front of andbehind the plunger on the following side of the pump, counterbalancingthe force-pressure above the pistons in those cylinders, and thesevalves are opened by the water-current as the plunger 0 on the followingside continues its stroke from right to left for the one-sixth strokestill remaining.

As the plunger on the leading side continues its stroke, however, itsoon passes and uncovers behind it the port of pipe 33, so that thepressure in pipe and branch 35, and co11- sequently that below thepistons in the motor-cylinders 24 29, is reduced to the suctionpressureand the force-valve Z and suctionvalve a, respectively in front of andbehind the plunger on the following side of the pump, which arecontrolled by these pistons, are gradually and positively closed just asthe plunger on this side reaches the end of its stroke from righttoleft. The pressure in front of the plunger upon the leading side isstill transmitted through the pipe 34 and branch 36 to themotor-cylinders 25 28 below the pistons, so that the constant pressurein these cylinders is counterbalanced, and as the plunger on thefollowing side is reversed and moves from left to rightthe force andsuction valves, respectively in front of and behind the plungenwhich arecontrolled by the pistons in these cylinders, are opened by thewater-current. 011 this reversal of the plunger on the following sidethe pressure in front of the plunger is transmitted for a short timethrough the pipe 37 and branch 39 to the motor-cylinders 23 26,controlling the force and suction valves respectively in front of andbehind the plunger on the leading side, and counterbalances the constantpressure therein, so that these valves remain open as the plunger on theleading side continues its stroke from left to right. The plunger on thefollowing side, however, soon passes and uncovers behind it the port ofpipe 37 and the movement of the water and consequent transmission of thepressure through pipe 37 and branch 39 to the motor-cylinders 23 26 isso adjusted that the pressure below the pistons in the in otorycylinders23 26 is reduced to that of the suction at the proper time, so that theforce and suction valves respectively in front of and behind the plunger0n the leading side, which are controlled by the pistons in thesemotor-cylinders, are gradually and positively closed by the constantpressure as the plunger on the leading side reaches the end of itsstroke.

As the plunger on the leading side is reversed and moves from right toleft, it operates by proper adjustment of the passage of the water andconsequent transmission of the pressure to secure the gradual andpositive closing of the force and suction valves respectively in frontof and behind the plunger on the following side as this plunger reachesthe end of its stroke.

The operation described is constantly repeated during the action of thepumps.

The time of closing of the valves may be adjusted in the construction ofthe pump by proper determination of the points at which the pipestransmitting the varying pressure enter the pum p-cylinders or byproportionin g the sizes of the pipes and motor-cylinders. It will,however, be found convenient and may in some cases be necessary toprovide means whereby the passage of the water through the pipes shallbe retarded or the operation of the pistons and valves otherwisecontrolled, so that the valves shall not be fully closed until theplunger reaches the end of its stroke. This may convenientlybe done bymeans of the throttle-valves upon the pipes, by which the varyingpressure is transmitted, the passage of the water and consequently thevariations of the pressure below the motor-pistons being thus adjustedas desired.

In the constructions thus far described the varying pressure below thepistons is con trolled by the passage of the plungers in thepump-cylinders over the ports by which the pipes transmitting theVarying pressure communicate therewith, but this is not necessary.

I may employ an organization for duplex engines similar to thatpreviously described except that the pipes transmitting the varyingpressure are not opened and closed by the plunger, so that the changefrom force to suetion pressure is made during the stroke of the plunger,but the pipes are in constant free communication with the pump-cylindersand the change from force to suction pressure is made on the reversal ofthe plungers at the ends of their strokes in either direction.

In Fig. 10 I have shown such a construction applied to a pump of thecommon diaphragm ring and plunger construction. The arrangement of pipesis identical with that shown in Figs. '7 to 9 and previously described,eXcept that the pipes transmitting the varying pressure communicatefreely at all times with the pump-cylinder, they being shown ascommunicating above the pumpcylinders with the passages leading to theforce and suction chambers, although it will be understood that theymayopen into the pump-cylinders at any points upon the opposite sides ofthe central diaphragm.

The operation of this construct-ion is substantially the same as that ofthe duplex engine previously described, except that the pressure belowthe pistons 30 in the motorcylinders above the force and suction valvesis changed from force to suction, and vice versa, only as the plungersare reversed on completing their strokes in either direction.

As previously described, the variations of the pressure below themotor-pistons are controlled by the throttles, so as to secure theproper closing of the valves by the forcepressure above the pistons whenthe pressure below the pistons is reduced by the reversal of thecontrolling-plunger; but any other suitable means may be used for thispurpose.

In the organizations thus far described the motor-pistons control theforce and suction valves directly; but, as stated above, auxiliaryvalves may be provided between the pump-cylinder and the force andsuction mains, either between the force and suction valves and the mainsor between the pumpcylinders and the force and suction valves.

In Fig. 11 I have shown such an organization in which the constructionis similar to that shown in Fig. a, except that the force and suctionchambers communicate with the pump-cylinder by separate passages, andthese passages are controlled by force and suction valves 0 p of theusual construction,

the valves to b of the construction in Fig. 2,

which are controlled by the pistons12, being auxiliary valves.

By the use of an auxiliary valve placed between the cylinder and themain on either side of the main valves Z do not in any respect alter thefunction of the main valves. In case the auxiliary valves on the forceside become obstructed at any time or held from their seats by anyforeign matter passing through the pump the force-valves are still freeto act and prevent the pressure of the main from entering thewater-cylinder during the suction stroke, the only result in thearrangement described being a noisy action of the pumpxuntil theauxiliary valve has been relieved. In case of any accident or breakageto the auailiary force-valve it may be removed for repair, during whichinterval the pump may be operated, as in the common construction, at asomewhat slower piston speed than is customary with the auxiliary valvein commission.

It is evident that with the auxiliary valve as shown in Fig.11substantially all the advantages of the positive action of the forceand suction valves are obtained, the gradual closing of the auxiliaryvalve closing the force-main and exert-ing a gradual stopping pressureupon the plunger.

It is apparent that many other changes may be made in the organizationsshown without departing from my invention, an d I do not intend to limitmyself to any of the special constructions shown and described, as theinvention has been shown as embodied in these pumps only for the purposeof illustration and as well adapted to exhibit my invention in thoseforms which I consider preferable.

The broad invention, however, is of general application to pumpsindependently of the special type of pump to which it is applied.

By the term constant pressure I do not mean that the pressure tending toclose the valve is unvarying, as it is evident that this pressure willvary in the construction shown with the changes in the pressure persquare inch in the force-main, and variations in the constant pressureare immaterial so long as it is in excess of the pumping pressure whenthe opposing varying pressure is reduced to secure the closing of thevalve against the pumping pressure. Under the term constant pressure inexcess of the pumping pressure, therefore, I mean to include any totalpressure or force of sufficient amount to close the valve against thepumping pressure and so far independent of the pump movement as torequire to be controlled by an opposing varying pressure to secure theproper valve movement.

It is evident that the total pressure or force required to close thevalve will vary with the line of movement of the valve relatively to thewater-current, and it will be understood that by the expressions againstthe pump ing pressure anc in excess of the pumping pressure I do notmean that the valve must be moved in a direction directly opposed tothat of the current, but intend to cover, broadly, all constructions inwhich the valves are closed by a constant pressure acting in oppositionto the pumping pressure and of sui'ticient amount to close the valvewhatever he the line of movement of the valve relatively to thewater-current.

I do not claim herein, broadly, a valve located between the plunger andmain of a direct-acting pumping-engine and positively closed against thepumping pressure, nor, broadly, an auxiliary valve thus located andclosed, as these subjects-matter are claimed in Patent No. 526,429,granted to me September 25, 1894:.

I also do not claim herein, broadly, the

method of or construction for closing a pumpvalve by applying to thevalve against the pumping pressure a fluidpressure in excess of the pumpin pressure; nor broadly a construc tion for applying pressure or avarying pressure tothe pump-valves on one side of a duplex pump from theopposite side of the pump; nor the method of or construction forcontrolling a pump-valve by applying a fluidpressure to the valveagainst the pumping pressure and varying said pressure during the strokeof the pump-plunger; nor a construction of duplex pump in which saidpressure is taken from the opposite side of the pump; nor any of suchconstructions employing motor cylinders or pistons for applying thepressure to the valves or adjusting devices between the source ofpressure and valve; nor a piston controlling a pump-valve and connectedwith a source of varying fluidpressure in the pump, as thesesubjects-matter are claimed in another application, Serial No. 383,088,filed February 27, 1891.

lVhat I claim is 1. The method of closing a pump valve against thepumping pressure, which consists in applying to said valveagainst thepumping pressure, a constant pressure in excess of the pumping pressureand controlling said constant pressure by an opposing fluid-pressurevarying during the stroke of the pumpplunger and reducing said opposingfluidpressure to secure the closing of the valve against the pumpingpressure by the constant pressure as the plunger reaches the end of itsstroke, substantially as described.

2. The method of closing a pump -valve against the pumping pressure,which consists in applying to said valve against the pumping pressure aconstant pressure in excess of the pumping pressure, and applyingalternately against said constant pressure the suction and forcepressures of the pump, the suction -pressure being applied to secure theclosing of the valve against the pumping pressure by the constantpressure as the plunger reaches the end of its stroke, substantially asdescribed.

3. The combination with a pump-valve: sub jected to a constant pressureagainst and in excess of the pumping pressure, of a column of fluidhaving a pressure varying during the stroke of the pump-plunger appliedagainst said constant pressure, substantially as described.

4. The combination with a pump-valve, of a column of fluid having apressure in excess of the pumping pressure applied against the pumpingprcssu re, and a column of fluid having a pressure varying during thestroke of the pump-plunger applied against said constant pressure,substantially as described.

5. The combination with a pump-valve subjected to a constant pressureagainst and in excess of the pumping pressure, of connections betweensaid valve and asource of fluidpressure in the pump varying during theIIO stroke of the pump-plunger whereby a vary- I pumping pressure, andconnections between ing pressure is applied against the constantpressure, substantially as described.

0. The combination with a pump-valve subj ected to a constant pressureagainst and in excess of the pumping pressure, of connections betweensaid valve and a source of fluid pressure in the pump varying during thestroke of the pump-plunger whereby a vary ing pressure is appliedagainst the constant pressure, and adjusting devices between the sourceof varying pressure and the valve for varying the action of the valverelatively to the variations in the pressure-supply, substantially asdescribed.

7. The combination with a pumpvalve opened by the pumping-current, of amotorpiston controlling said valve and subjected to a constant pressureagainst and in excess of the pumping pressure, and a column of fluidhaving a pressure varying during the stroke of the pump-plunger appliedto said piston against said constant pressure, substantially asdescribed.

8. The combination with a pump-valve, of a motor-piston controlling saidvalve and subjected to a constant pressure against and in excess of thepumping pressure, and a column of fluid having a pressure varying duringthe stroke of the pump-plunger applied to said piston against theconstant pressure, substantially as described.

9. The combination with a pump-valve, of a motor-piston controlling saidvalve and subjected to a constant pressure against and in excess of thepumping pressure, and connections between said piston and thepump-cylinder whereby the suction and force-pump pressures are appliedalternately to said piston against the constant pressure during thestroke of the pump-plunger, substantially as described.

10. The combination with a pump-cylinder and its plunger, of apump-valve, a motor piston controlling said valve and subjected to aconstant pressure against and in excess of the pumping pressure, andconnections between said piston and the pumpcylinder whereby the suctionand force-pump pressures are applied alternately to said piston againstthe constant pressure during the stroke of the pump-plunger,substantially as described.

11. The combination with a pump-cylind er and its plunger, of a valve, amotor-piston controlling said valve, connections between said piston andthe force-main whereby the force pressureis applied to said pistonagainst the pumping pressure, and connections between the opposite sideof said piston and the pump-cylinder whereby-the suction and forcepumppressures are applied alternately to said piston during the stroke ofthe pump-plunger, substantially as described.

12. The combination with a pump-cylinder and its plunger, of apump-valve, a motor-piston controlling said valve and subjected to aconstant pressure against and in excess of the the opposite side ofsaid'piston and the pumpcylinder, the connection-port in thepumpcylinder being so located as to be opened behind the plunger beforethe latter reaches the end of its stroke, substantially as described.

13. The combination with a pump-cylinder and its plunger, of apump-valve, a motor-piston controlling said valve and subjected to aconstant pressure against and in excess of the pumping pressure, andconnections between the opposite side of said piston and thepumpcylinder, the connection-port in the pumpcylinder being so locatedin the pump-cylinder as to be opened behind the plunger before thelatter reaches the end of its stroke, and adjusting devices between thepump cylinder and valve for varying the action of the valve relativelyto the pressure variations in the pump-cylinder, substantially asdescribed.

14. The'combination with a pump-cylinder and its plunger, of a pLimp-valve, a motor-piston controlling said valve,.connections betweensaid piston and the force-main whereby the force pressure is applied tosaid valve against the pumping pressure, and connections between theopposite side of said piston and the pump-cylinder, the connection-portbeing so located in the pump-cylinder as to be opened behind theplungerbefore the latter reaches the end of its stroke, substantially asdescribed.

15. The combination with a pump-cylinder and its plunger, of a valvebetween the plunger and force-main, a m otor-piston controlling saidvalve and subjected to a constant pressure against and in excess of thepumping pressure,and connections between said piston and thepump-cylinder whereby the suction and force-pump pressures are appliedaltern atel y to said piston against the constant pressure during thestroke of the pump-plunger, substantially as described.

16. The combination with a pump-cylinder and its plunger, of valvesbetween the plunger and force and suction mains, motor-pistonscontrolling said valves and subjected to a constant pressure against andin excess of the pumping pressure, and connections between said pistonsand the pump-cylinder whereby the suction and force-pump pressures areapplied alternately to said pistons against the constant pressure duringthe stroke of the pump-plunger, substantially as described.

. 17. In a duplex pump, the combination with a pump-valve subjected to aconstant pressure against and in excess of the pumping pressure, of acolumn of fluid from the opposite side of the pump having a pressurevarying during the stroke of the pump-plunger applied against theconstant pressure, substantially as described.

18. In a duplex pump, the combination with a valve between the plungerand force-main subjected to a constant pressure against and in excess ofthe pumping pressure, of a column of fluid from the opposite side of thepump having a pressure varying during the stroke of the pump-plungerapplied against said constant pressure, substantially as described.

19. In a duplex pump, the combination with a pump-valve, of a pistoncontrolling said valve and subjected to a constant pressure against andin excess of the pumping pressure,and connections between said pistonand a source of fluid pressure on the opposite side of the pump varyingduring the stroke of the pump-plunger whereby a pressure varying duringthe stroke of the pump-plunger is applied to said piston against theconstant pressure, substantially as described.

20. In a duplex pump, the combinationwith a pump-valve, of a pistoncontrolling said valve and subjected to a constant pressure against andin excess of the pumping pressure, connections between said piston and asource of fluid-pressure on the opposite side of the pump varying duringthe stroke of the pump-plunger whereby a pressure varying during thestroke of the pump-plunger is applied to said piston against theconstant pressure, and adjusting devices between the source of varyingpressure and the valve for varying the action of the valve relatively tothe variations in the pressure-supply, substantially as described.

21. In a duplex pump, the combination of valves located between theplungers and force-main, motor pistons controlling said valves andsubjected to a constant pressure against and in excess of the pumpingpressure, and connections between said pistons and a source offluid-pressure on the opposite side of the pump, varying during thestroke of the pu m p-plunger whereby pressure varying during the strokeof the pump-plunger is applied to said pistons against the constantpressure, substantially as described.

22. In a duplex pump, the combination of valves located between theplungers and force-main, motorpistons controlling said valves andsubjected to a constant pressure against and in excess of the pumpingpressure, connections between said pistons and a source offluid-pressure on the opposite side of the pump varying during thestroke of the pump plunger whereby a fluid-pressure varying during thestrokes of the pump-plungers is applied to said pistons against theconstant pressure, and means for adjusting the time of action of saidvalves, substantially as described.

23. The combination with the pump cylinders and plungers of a duplexpump, of pumpvalves, motor-pistons controlling said valves and subjectedto a constant pressure against and in excess of the pumping pressure andconnections between said pistons and the pump-cylinder on the oppositeside of the pump whereby the suction and force pressure in the cylinderon each side of the pump is applied alternately against the constantpressure on the opposite side of the pump and duringthe stroke of thepump-plunger on the opposite side of the pump, substantially asdescribed.

24:. The combination with the pump cylinders and plunge rs of a duplexpump, of valves located between the plungers and force-main,motor-pistons controlling said valves and subjected to a constantpressure against and in excess of the pumping pressure, and connectionsbetween said pistons and the pumpcylinder on the opposite side of thepump whereby the suction and force pressures in the pump-cylinder oneach side of the pump are alternately applied against the constantpressure on the opposite side of thepump and during the stroke of thepump-plunger on the opposite side of the pump, substantially asdescribed.

25. In a dircct acting pump, the combination with a motor-piston and itsplunger, of a valve or valves between the plunger and forceunainsubjected to a constant pressure against and in excess of the pumpingpres sure, and a column of fluid having a pressure Varying during thestroke of the pump-plunger applied against said constant pressure,substantially as described.

26. The combination with the motor-pistons and the plungers of adirect-acting duplex pump, of valves between the plungers and force-mainsubjected to a constant pressure against and in excess of the pumpingpressure,and connections between said valves and a source of varyingfluid-pressure on the opposite side of the pump whereby the vary ingpressure is applied against said constant pressure, substantially asdescribed.

27. In a direct-acting pump, the combination with a motorcylinder, itsmain and cutolt valves, and the piston and plunger, of a valve betweenthe plunger and force-main subjected to a constant'pressure against andin excess of the pumping pressure, and. a column of fluid having avarying pressure applied against the constant pressure, substan- 'tiallyas described.

28. The combination with the motor-cylinders, their main and cut-offvalves and the pistons and plungers of a direct-acting duplex pump, ofvalves between the plungers and force-main subjected to a constantpressure against and in excess of the pumping pressure,and connectionsbetween said valves and a source of varying fluid-pressure on theopposite side of the pump whereby the varying pressure is appliedagainst said constant pressure, substantially as described.

'29. The combination with a pump-valve, of a motor cylinder and pistoncontrolling said valve, and a hollow valve-stem opening into thevalve-chamber and the motor-cylinder, substantially as described.

30. The combination with a pump-valve, of a motor cylinder and pistoncontrolling said valve, a hollow valve-stem opening into thevalve-chamber and the motor-cylinder,

ICC

and connections between the valve-chamber on the opposite side of thepiston and a source of varying fluid-pressure in the pump, substantiallyas described.

31. The combination with a pump-valve, of a motor cylinder and pistoncontrolling said valve, a hollow valve-stem opening into theValve-chamber and the motor-cylinder above the piston, and connectionsbetween the valve-chamber on the opposite side of the piston and thepump-cylinder, the connection-port in the pump-cylinder being openedbehind the plunger during the stroke of the latter, substantially asdescribed.

The combination with a pumps-valve having a hollow valve-stem, of amotor-cylinder communicating with the Valve-ch amber through the hollowvalve-stem, and a motorpiston carried by said valve-stem, substantiallyas described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

CHARLES C. \VORTHINGTON.

lVitnesses:

LoUIs R. ALBERGER, E. S. CRONISE.

